Bush is Rewarding Terrorism

The President's vision for a "provisional" Palestinian leaves one crude message: Terrorism pays.

June 25, 2002 -- U.S. President George W. Bush has been adamant since Sept. 11 about stopping terrorism, but he took a firm step in the opposite direction in his speech yesterday.

He should have told the Palestinians clearly and unequivocally that their 21-month campaign of violence against Israel is unacceptable and must conclude before any discussion of rewards can be started. Instead, the President outlined his vision for a "provisional" Palestinian state and demanded an end to what he called "Israeli settlement activity in the occupied territories." Both of these constitute very major benefits to the Palestinians; as such, they represent rewards for suicide bombings, sniper attacks, and the other forms of terrorism.

This not only does grave damage to the President's proclaimed war on terrorism but it sends a signal to the Palestinians to expect further rewards for yet more violence. True, there was much in his presentation about the virtues of local elections, independent auditing and market economics, but the only message that will stick is a cruder one: Terrorism pays.

Bush's outline for action then went on to make a large number of mistakes about the specifics of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Here are some:

- Misreading Palestinian opinion: Bush declares that only a small minority of Palestinians subscribe to the means or views of the terrorists. "The hatred of a few holds the hopes of many hostage." But this is false; nearly every opinion survey, political speech, mosque sermon and other indication suggests that a substantial majority of Palestinians enthusiastically support the campaign of violence against Israel. This has the ominous implication that practising democracy, as the President calls for, would lead -- ironically -- to a more aggressive policy toward Israel.

- Moral equivalence: Bush implies a basic commonality between the plight of Israelis who suffer terrorism and the Palestinians who inflict it. "It is untenable for Israeli citizens to live in terror. It is untenable for Palestinians to live in squalor and occupation." To see the error of this statement, change it to "It is untenable for American citizens to live in terror. It is untenable for Afghans to live in squalor and occupation."

A political program cannot work if it is premised on errors.

- Victimology: Palestinians have "been treated as pawns" says the U.S. President. Not so: Since 1967, the Palestinians have had an increasingly autonomous and powerful voice in running their own affairs. Especially since the creation of the Palestinian Authority in 1994, they have been in control of their own destiny. To portray them as victims suggests they would behave differently once they have a formal state. In fact, every sign points to a continuation of the present policies.

- Good governance the key: "True reform will require entirely new political and economic institutions based on democracy, market economics and action against terrorism." This is a touching but naive belief in the wonders of decent ruling institution. To be sure, autonomous local leaders, multi-party elections and honest politicians are all to the good, but how might they lead to a reduction of hostilities? This view has things precisely turned around: Democracy, market economics and anti-terrorism will only follow on a far more fundamental change, namely a Palestinian willingness to accept the existence of Israel. A Palestinian state that continues to seek the destruction of the Jewish state by nature cannot be democratic.

- Overemphasizing terrorism: "There is simply no way to achieve [Palestinian-Israeli] peace until all parties fight terror." Palestinian terrorism has caused terribly tragedies but it is not the heart of the problem. Terrorism, after all, is but a tactic in the service of a war aim. That war aim -- the destruction of Israel -- is the heart of the problem. For example, it is perfectly possible to imagine a future Palestinian state that does renounce terrorism and instead builds up a conventional force of planes, tanks and ships with which to attack and destroy Israel. Along these lines, it is noteworthy that Bush did not call on the PA to reduce the size of its armed forces.

A house cannot be built from a blueprint that gets wrong the terrain, the size and shape of the plot, and the building materials. Likewise, a political program cannot work if it is premised on errors.

By rewarding terrorism, the Bush speech sets back the current war effort; by misunderstanding the Palestinian-Israeli war, it is rendered unworkable as a serious effort at conflict resolution. In all, it represents a disappointment and a missed opportunity.

Visitor Comments: 9

(9)
Benjamin,
July 19, 2003 12:00 AM

I agree, AND....

Bush is rewarding terrorism. He is also being hypocritical. He tells Israel to use restrain when attacking terrorist targets. Is this the same Bush who just invaded Iraq and Afghanistan? Also he tells Israel to pull out of "Palestinian territories" while US forces are still occupying two countries.

(8)
Anonymous,
July 20, 2002 12:00 AM

Reconsider George Bush's Attitude

As a former racist who used to hate the Jewish people I suggest you reevaluate the statements made about George W. Bush. When I was a racist, I used to hope that the President of the United States would die and that a Right Wing President would take over so that the U.S. would stop supporting the Jews in Israel. As a Born Again Christian I thank GOD that we have a Christian President such as George W. Bush to support Israel. Now I want to visit the Holy Land someday and without the suuport of Israel that President Bush constantly demonstrates I know that would never happen. Mr. Pipes needs to reevaluate his satements and consider what would happen in Israel without the suuport of the U.S. President. In my opinion the only Jews that would be left alive without the support of President Bush would be in America, Canada, and the British Isles. There would be no Israel. It would be Palestine. All the Jews in the Holy Land would be dead. Think about just who it is that surrounds Israel 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. MOSLEMS. You should thank the GOD of Moses, Abraham, and Isaac for President George W. Bush. He guarantees your continued existence.

(7)
Menachem Ben Yakov,
July 7, 2002 12:00 AM

On the Presidents Middle East Speech

While I agree with Mr.Pipes that there was much in the Presidents speech to disagree with I think that George W. Bush has demonstrated great regard for Israel throughout his term as President.

The case could easily be made that the current administration is the most supportive in American history.

And while the Presidents words have impact his deeds have even greater impact.

The President spoke of various vital reforms to be made by the Palestinians.Free elections, restructering security, autonomy for elected officials , a revised judiciary and economic reform all got mentioned.

But a vital Palestinian reform was left out - reform of education .

Educational reform goes to the very heart of the war against terror.

In the rebuilding of Japan after WW2 the Allies would not permit the teaching of Japanese militarism . The same must been done today with Islamic militarism.

The President did speak to tolerance and stopping support for terror.And we can read into his words his desire for educational reform.

I think it would have been more effective however to state categoricaly that educational reform was a must.That would have been a strong signal not only to the Palestinians but represive regimes throughout the world.

(6)
CAT,
July 1, 2002 12:00 AM

Bush on terrorism

I think his speech was very bold and positive.

He called for the removal of Arafat.
I sincerely believe he KNOWS that won't happen.

I see it this way, and I mentioned this on another comment on another article.

Bush challenged the two-faced Palestinians before the world. He is givng them the chance to show the world what their made of...and I believe he knows.

His speech hands the Palestinian people a rope. He is saying, there is "smoking gun" proof that Arafat is corrupt and keeping you from the state you want. He is telling the people, that if they REALLY want a PEACEFUL state, then the obvious answer is to get rid of Arafat.
Now, given the FACT that every Palestinian Mom that's been on TV has praised her "martyred" children, I'd say that it is common knowledge that they DON'T want peace.
But the challenge has been issued now.
Bush has given the Palestinian people a rope. He has esplained how they can build a peaceful bridge with it.
It is their rope. WIll they build a bridge? Or will they defiantly re-elect Arafat, thereby making a noose?
Bush's speech was merely wise words.
In my opinion, if the Palestinian people re-elect Arafat, that means--to the world--that they enjoy their "so-called" squalor, poverty, and corrupt leadership.
Mr. Pipes is dead wrong here. Bush has not rewarded ANY terrorism by making this speech. He has, instead, vowed to cut off support to the Palestinians.
As to what the future holds...time will tell.

(5)
debi barrington,
July 1, 2002 12:00 AM

bush

What can we do as American jews and american citizens to voice our contention against what Bush is doing ?I agree with what you said and saw it as "reward" before ever reading this article, it is either that Bush is not the man he portays to be(strong ) but he is weak or he is just plan crazy! thank you deorah barrington

(4)
Anonymous,
July 1, 2002 12:00 AM

Mr Pres Bush-Daniel Pipes

I recently took the time to read Mr President Bushs speech. I had a glimmer of hope that finally the conflict was understood, fully. I believe Mr President Bush needs prayer. It is said that in Texas you play with the "big dogs!" I believe the President is an honest man full of integrity. We are told to be careful who we take counsel fr., America is being swallowed up by political correctness. True wisdom comes fr G-D. The President knows this. This is why I ask for prayer. Arafat out of office took true courage on the Presidents behalf, as for the latter, one can only hope that the President will see thru. The Nation that forgets G-D will surely perish, those who pray for Israel will be blessed & those who have not turned to the secular ways will not be forgotten. This should be both America and Israels prayer. Also, Mr Pres. Bush, courage to stand up for what he truly believes is right. Note: We in California USA are now forbidden to recite the Pledge of Alligence as it has been deemed unconstitutional due to the recognition of Almighty G-D. What will the people & President do about this??? May G-D be with Israel in the upcoming events and may G-D open the eyes of the people. The up-coming events are of biblical proportion, Mr. President Bush is now dancing with the wolves. I am sure that with the correct facts, the true root of what the Palestinian agenda is will be exposed, just as Arafat. Have Faith & act upon it. May G-D bless you & keep Israel & America. Most Americans only know what they hear via television or radio, thank G-D for whats going on with changes CNN. In response to blaming the party, it is the President who must live with his words and the actions he chooses. Mr President Bush knows what is right, this is why I am asking for prayer. For your nation & ours.

(3)
Samuel Coriat,
July 1, 2002 12:00 AM

Relocation is the Solution

How long will it take the world to realize that Arafat and his bands only want the destruction of Israel?
The solution is RELOCATION of all Arabs to their Palestinian state already established, JORDAN and immediate murder trial for all well known killers
dreaming to become statesmen and diplomats overnight.
Bush is ready to reward terror with full support of the United Nations, who wants killers in his own backyard?
Another Palestinian State spells suicide for Israel.
The Arabs have plenty of land, oilmoney but their hate is larger than both.
They already have two holy cities, Mecca and Medina and yet they want what belongs to Israel: Jerusalem.
You don not dialogue with killers, you send them to trial.

(2)
Anonymous,
June 30, 2002 12:00 AM

It's the labor Party; NOT President BUSH.

With all the news, talk shows, and reports on the Palestinian terror; we should keep in mind that terrorism was not imposed on Israel by the big powers, not by Israel’s friends, not by its enemies, and not by anti-Semites. The terror acts are self inflicted by Israel’s Labor party and its leaders, Peres and Barak. The two did more to encourage terror acts and reawaken anti-Semitism around the globe, than anyone could have anticipated.

For the unfamiliar; The Labor party is the end result of merging various socialist parties, Jewish and Arab communist parties, host of anti-religious parties, and gay parties into one. Today's Labor party is so far left of center that Lenin and Trotsky will be at home in the Labor Party.

In the eighties Sharon expelled Arafat and 6000 terrorists out of Lebanon and the Mideast all the way to Morocco and Tunisia. It was followed by a few years of terror free living. That was to change in the early nineties with the election of Rabin and Peres. Two incompetent hard core left wing politicians with no memory of the past and a distorted view of the future.

Following the 1992 election, Rabin and Peres negotiated and signed a secret deal with Arafat, without the knowledge or the approval of the Israeli public. Within days, Rabin and Peres welcomed Arafat and 12000 terrorists; provided them with a safe heaven in the West Bank and Gaza, and armed them with 15000 machine guns. Rabin, Peres, and members of the Labor party traveled around the Globe for two years to promote the Palestinian causes, to raise billions for the Palestinians, and to praise Arafat as the champion of peace. At my school, Peres kept referring to Arafat as "his true friend, as Israel’s savior, as a man of honor".

While Peres was worshiping Arafat, the Arab terror under Arafat, was gaining momentum and hundreds of Israeli were being killed, it was Rabin and Peres that turned a blind eye and ignored every Oslo violation by Arafat. It was Peres telling the US state department, the White House, the European Union, and the UN to create a Palestinian state. As added incentive to Arafat, Peres released thousands of terrorists from Israeli prison, so they may murder again and again. Peres and the Labor Party were the darlings of socialists and communists around the globe.

In the late nineties, Barak was elected. The fool of Camp-David, the man that pulled Israeli forces out of Lebanon at the middle of the night like rats; He proved to the Arab world that the Israeli army can be defeated.

The Barak-Peres appeasement program included plans to return parts of Jerusalem and part of the Negev to the Palestinians. During Barak’s one year in office, 60000 Palestinians from Jordan and Syria were resettled in Israel under “family reunification program”. A true fifth column for the future. During the one year of the Barak and Peres administration, they managed to make Israel a true Banana republic. They proved to the world that Jews do not belong to the land and that uprooting Jews from their homeland is acceptable in exchange for hard cash. The stereotype Jews returned to life in the form of Barak.

The story is not over. At this moment, Peres, Burg, and members of the Labor party are working behind Sharon’s and President's Bush back to promote terrorists as peace loving groups. It is the leadership of the Labor party that is driving Israel to national suicide. In my opinion, Peres is just as dangerous to the free world as Arafat, Bin-Laden, and Sadam are. Terror will continue and flourish if the Labor party gets reelected in Israel. Only Sharon can save Israel from the terrorist. Only Bush can save the world from terrorists.

(1)
Rachel Glyn,
June 30, 2002 12:00 AM

Great Article

I hope you get this article published in some of the major newspapers. It's one thing to understand both sides in a dispute among decent people, but there is nothing decent about the way the Palestinian people have been acting. I don't think Pres. Bush appreciates that they are a danger to Americans as well as to Jews in Israel.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...